The buttermilk pancakes were also probably the best I’ve ever had anywhere, hospital or not.

But the part we liked best was the awesome staff! The nurses were so friendly, so helpful, so accomodating. We also met a lot of staff that had the same names as us!

There was Peter the anesthetist…

4 Jody’s (two spelled the same, two with “i”). This Jody (nurse) even had the same middle name…

And another nurse named Lana for good measure! Lana took care of Noah in the nursury.

It’s no wonder people come here from miles away to have their babies! We just picked it by chance because we live so close. We have friends who personally changed their hospitals and doctors mid-pregnancy to have their babies here after they saw what it was like!

We knew when we had Lana here that we were coming back. But this time might be our last, so it’s bittersweet to leave this place. We’ll miss you, Avista New Life Center!

After a quick stop at Costco for some cheap lunch, it was off to Colorado Mills Mall. We took the scenic route toward the mountains. Partly because of the view, partly to give Lana time to take a nap, and partly because I wanted to play with my new camera lens!

Nice stops along the way to take in the view. When we got to the main road I just had to pull over on the side to take this shot. Not as dramatic as being there, one of those things you have to experience I guess…

At the mall, Lana grabbed a map and played tour guide.

Of course the first stop was the carousel!

Followed by the Lego store (for daddy, of course)…

And some rides!

This time we let the train go by…

While Mommy got a GREAT deal at the Corningware store! Look at that big smile!

Then it was time for dinner at the Yard House for Happy Hour!

Luckily Aunty Jacie and Kallie were able to meet up with us!

On our way out we saw a hermit crab kiosk…

As you can guess, Daddy + beer + cute Lana = “Let’s get some hermit crabs for Lana!”

Lana was so excited she plopped down on the floor of Carter’s to check them out!

One is named Kal El. You can probably guess which one (if you’re half a geek)…

What a great day and great way to kick off Independence Day weekend! Can’t wait for tomorrow!

Summer is upon us and the grilling season is in full bloom. We’ve been watching Kallie for the Sugs for the past few months and they’re going to start sending her to Kinder Care to give us a break for the new baby coming.

To celebrate the last day, they brought over a FEAST!

I also happen to be playing around with my new lens. It’s a Nikon 35mm f/1.8 prime lens. For those of you into photography, you know what that means. This is my grill. It loves me as long as I love it.

Mr. Sugs did an awesome job of seasoning the lamb chops. Yum!

Of course you can’t grill without some beer!

Some appetizers to start things off…

Some pork loin, prepared two different ways, with red potatoes. Well done, of course…

Lamb on the grill… check…

And the final result: a FEAST! King crab legs, veal, angus franks, the whole nine yards!

Of course, no feast is complete without a full selection of beer!

… and my favorite bottle opener ever. It’s from Italy. Thanks sis!!!

Alright, enough with the pics, time to eat!!!

Boy, these Sugs really know how to party it up! Thanks guys, we really appreciate it!

I suppose it’s easy to surprise a 2 year old with a birthday party, they’re not really expecting it. Another thing you can never expect is good weather in April. So what better place to have a birthday party than at Chuck E Cheese!

We were so glad that Lana’s friends could join us to celebrate her 2nd birthday! It was utter chaos, but it was so much fun!

I don’t know if Lana even knew she was the guest of honor, but I think she had a great time!

We started off the festivities during daddy’s lunch break with a picnic in the park and some play time in yet another nearby playground.

Lana just LOVES to hang out with us! Ahem…

After a nap for Lana and mommy and more workie workie for daddy, it was time for dinner at the mall. They have indoor and outdoor play areas, as well as a huge sand box. We worked up an apetite at the outdoor playground, then headed over to Red Robin for a birthday dinner!

Lana got her first restaurant birthday song! As you can tell, the staff was extremely enthusiastic…

Finally, it was time to head home for a Birthday song with the family over Skype! Two laptops, one for each family. Grandparents and uncles and aunts on both sides, even great grandpa sang their hearts out. It was great! It’s even more special that Lana shares the same birthday with her great grandpa!

And time for Lana’s birthday present: Mickey Mouse! Last time we walked into a Disney Store Lana’s eyes lit up and she gave Mickey a BIG hug and a kiss. So of course we had to bring him home! It was well worth it, because her eyes lit up again and it was hug and kiss city!